RUGBY M.A.D. (Making A Difference)

Rugby MAD is a coaching program brought to high school boys in Kenya. These young men receive instruction on core rugby rules and fundamental basics and are supplied with the necessary equipment to run training sessions on their own.

With the help of Aflame Youth Mission, we aim to combine Rugby MAD coaching sessions with evening learning programs. These programs will include evangelism and discipleship, as well as topics covering HIV/Aids awareness and the effects of alcohol and drugs use. Themes addressing outlook and attitudes towards women and self-respect are also discussed. We seek to not only provide a positive physical outlet for these young men, but also a space for constructive teachings and faith exploration. The pilot Rugby MAD program started in Kirangari High School, Nairobi in 2014 and Aflame Youth Mission continue to visit the school weekly for evening learning programs.

We have a passion for rugby and for seeing the positive effects it can have on an individual’s life. We are partners with the Kenyan Rugby Board and have their support and encouragement in continuing the project. The KRB lacks the financial means and manpower to develop high school rugby in Kenya alone. We aim to provide high schools in Kenya with competent coaches, necessary equipment and continued education in running structured training sessions. In time, we hope that there will be enough support to have an entire competitive high school rugby league that is self-sustaining.

We seek to bring teams to Kenya more frequently in the future and involve both players and coaches from all over Ireland and N. Ireland.